The Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) has today opened public voting for its Inspiration Award, due to be announced at the 2026 RPS Awards at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London on Thursday 12 March.
The RPS Inspiration Award is presented annually to a non-professional ensemble that has helped to bring together local communities through music. Unlike the other RPS Awards, which are decided by professional jury, the Inspiration prize is put to a public vote.
Who are the RPS Inspiration Award nominees?
The 2026 Inspiration Award nominees are:
Bradford Accordion Band
Bradford Accordion Band (BAB) is a community band in West Yorkshire. Established in 1997 by its director Anita Bašić, it is now a 38-piece ensemble 'that surprises audiences and challenges expectations'. BAB’s mixed-ability membership ranges from 7 to 90 years of age, representing a wealth of multi-cultural backgrounds and musical influences.
Cantorion Llandrindod
Welsh choir Cantorion Llandrindod began as four friends gathering informally and has lasted more than 50 years as a mixed-ability, four-part, non-auditioned community choir based in Llandrindod Wells. Now directed by Hilary Cox, the 25-strong choir performs a range of sacred and secular music in adventurous programmes, from major choral works to madrigals.
Kirkcaldy Orchestral Society
A Scottish community orchestra celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2025, Kirkcaldy Orchestral Society is a 70-strong ensemble comprising musicians of all stages and ages, conducted by music director Graeme Wilson, in his 49th season. This year, its Composition Projects in Fife secondary schools were extended to HM Prison Glenochil in conjunction with Fife College.
Sean Chandler and Shepherd Brass Band
York’s Shepherd Brass Band was founded in 1903 and encompasses six bands with over 200 players, including its award-winning Championship Band and Youth Band, comprising over 50 young musicians. At its heart is principal cornet Sean Chandler, a Deaf musician who leads the ‘I Can Play with Brass Roots’ initiative in partnership with the National Centre for Early Music in York, which supports d/Deaf children to develop their skills and play in a band environment.
When and where can I vote for the RPS Inspiration Award?
Voting for the Inspiration Award, supported by Stainer & Bell, is now open on the RPS website and closes at 11am on Monday 2 February 2026.
What are the RPS Awards?
The RPS Awards are a celebration of the creativity and talent of the those working in classical music across the UK, from international stars to the unsung heroes who bring music and music making into the nation's communities.
The Royal Philharmonic Society was formed by a group of musicians in 1813 to establish a series of orchestral concerts in London. 200 years later, the Society continues to celebrate musicians through grants, commissions, coaching and performance opportunities - and through its annual RPS Awards, which recognise outstanding and inspirational music making in 13 categories.
